Big Banks Readying Payout Plans

Citigroup, for One, Will Seek Fed's OK for a 'Minimal' Share Buyback; Part of Year's 'Stress Tests'

By

Suzanne Kapner and

Dan Fitzpatrick

Jan. 4, 2013 6:13 p.m. ET

Citigroup Inc. will seek permission for its first share buyback since 2007 as part of the latest Federal Reserve "stress tests," according to people familiar with the company's plans.

The request by the New York company, a year after the Fed rejected another plan, is expected to be "minimal," according to those people. But it is the latest sign that giant lenders are ready to flex their financial muscle amid...